In this introduction to the life and thought of Dorothy Day, one of the most important lay Catholics of the twentieth century, Terrence Wright presents her radical response to God's mercy. After a period of darkness and sin, which included an abortion and a suicide attempt, Day had a profound awakening to God's unlimited love and mercy through the birth of her daughter.

After her conversion, Day answered the calling to bring God's mercy to others. With Peter Maurin, she founded the Catholic Worker Movement in 1933. Dedicated to both the spiritual and the corporal works of mercy, they established Houses of Hospitality, Catholic Worker Farms, and the Catholic Worker newspaper.

Drawing heavily from Day's own writings, this book reveals her love for Scripture, the sacraments, and the magisterial teaching of the Church. The author explores her philosophy and spirituality, including her devotion to Saints Francis, Benedict, and Thérèse. He also shows how her understanding of the Mystical Body of Christ led to some of her more controversial positions such as pacifism.

Since her death in 1980, Day continues to serve as a model of Christian love and commitment. She recognized Christ in the less fortunate and understood that to be a servant of these least among us is to be a servant of God.

Terrence Wright

Terrence Wright, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Pre-Theology Program at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver. His academic interests include phenomenology and personalism, particularly the work of Edith Stein and Emmanuel Mounier. He has also published on the relationship between philosophy and literature.

Reviews

"Dorothy Day was a woman passionately committed to the truth about the dignity of the human person and to justice for the cause of the oppressed. I highly recommend this book about her inspiring life that shows the light of her strong faith in Christ shining in the darkness of human misery."— Mother Dolores Hart, O.S.B., Author, The Ear of the Heart: An Actress' Journey from Hollywood to Holy Vows

"Wright's fresh biography of Dorothy Day portrays her confrontation with human violence. She triumphed over a fiercely self-crafting society and a domineering, administrative state. This Servant of God emerges from these pages as a model of Christ-like virtue for the new millennium."— Francis Cardinal Stafford, Archbishop Emeritus of Denver

"This book should change the skepticism many people have about Dorothy Day. She is a saint for our time because she was relentlessly committed to both the works of mercy and liturgy, prayer, Catholic piety, and defense of unborn life."— Brandon Vogt, Author, Saints and Social Justice

"A wonderful introduction to Dorothy Day's life, thought, and deep Catholic faith. Her encounter with God in everyday life is a model of active holiness for us today."— Anthony Godzieba, Professor of Theology and Religious Studies, Villanova University